Long Haired Dachshund: Complete Breed Profile, Care & Health Guide

Breed Overview: The Long Haired Dachshund at a Glance

The long haired dachshund is one of three coat varieties of the dachshund breed (alongside smooth and wirehaired), recognized by the American Kennel Club as a single breed with distinct coat types. Originating in Germany as early as the 15th century, dachshunds were purpose-bred to hunt badgers — the name literally translates to "badger dog." The long haired variety likely emerged in the 17th or 18th century through crosses with spaniel-type dogs, particularly the German Stoberhund and various setter breeds, giving them their distinctive silky, flowing coat.

Classified as a small breed (with a miniature variant falling into the toy category), the long haired dachshund retains the bold, independent temperament of a scent hound wrapped in a more elegant package than their smooth-coated siblings. Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 16 years, though it's not uncommon for well-cared-for individuals to reach 17 or 18.

Long Haired Dachshund Quick Facts

Attribute	Standard	Miniature
Weight	16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg)	11 lb and under (5 kg and under)
Height at Withers	8–9 inches (20–23 cm)	5–6 inches (13–15 cm)
Lifespan	12–16 years
Coat Type	Long, silky, slightly wavy with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of high activity
Grooming Frequency	Brushing 3–4×/week; bath every 4–6 weeks
AKC Group	Hound Group
Family Fit	Good with older children; cautious introduction to small pets recommended

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Long Haired Dachshund Is Really Like

Long haired dachshunds carry a reputation among breed enthusiasts as the softest-tempered of the three coat varieties — likely a legacy of their spaniel ancestry. That said, they are still dachshunds through and through. Here are the core traits you'll encounter daily:

1. Stubbornly Independent. Bred to enter badger dens alone and make decisions without human direction, dachshunds don't look to you for permission. If your long haired dachshund catches an interesting scent on a walk, expect them to lock onto it with single-minded focus. This isn't defiance — it's hardwired hunting instinct.

2. Deeply Bonded (Often to One Person). These dogs form intense attachments and will follow their chosen person from room to room. Many owners report their long haired dachshund sleeping under the covers beside them every night — burrowing behavior that connects directly to their tunneling heritage.

3. Surprisingly Vocal. Dachshunds have a deep, loud bark disproportionate to their size. Your long haired dachshund will likely announce the mail carrier, a leaf blowing across the porch, and the presence of a squirrel three houses down. They are not excessive barkers without reason, but their definition of "reason" is broader than yours.

4. Playful but Self-Directed. They love games, but on their terms. Fetch works if they decide it does. Puzzle toys and scent games tend to hold their interest longer than repetitive obedience drills. A long haired dachshund who is bored will entertain themselves — often by dismantling a couch cushion or unrolling toilet paper with surgical precision.

5. Gently Sensitive. Compared to the more hard-edged wirehaired variety, long haired dachshunds tend to be more emotionally attuned to their owners. Harsh corrections shut them down completely. They respond to tone of voice and will sulk if spoken to sharply.

Physical Characteristics: Size, Coat, and Build

The long haired dachshund shares the iconic silhouette of the breed — elongated body, short legs, deep chest, and tapered muzzle — but is set apart by their coat. The hair is soft, slightly wavy (never curly), and grows longer on the ears, underside, back of the legs, and tail, creating elegant feathering.

Weight ranges split by classification:

• Miniature: 11 lb and under (5 kg and under) at maturity
• Standard: 16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg) — most commonly 18–24 lb in practice

Height is measured at the withers (shoulder blades): standards typically stand 8–9 inches (20–23 cm), while miniatures reach 5–6 inches (13–15 cm). Body length from sternum to base of tail is generally 1.7 to 2 times the height, giving the breed its characteristic rectangular profile.

Coat colors accepted by the AKC breed standard include red (the most common), black and tan, chocolate and tan, wild boar, blue and tan, Isabella and tan, as well as dapple (merle), brindle, and sable patterns. Note that double dapple breeding (merle to merle) is associated with serious eye and ear defects and is discouraged by responsible breeders.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Don't let the short legs fool you — dachshunds were bred for endurance underground and need real daily activity to stay physically and mentally healthy. However, their long spine demands careful management.

Daily Exercise Recommendations by Life Stage

Life Stage	Duration	Recommended Activities	Avoid
Puppy (under 12 months)	5 min per month of age, 2×/day	Free play in fenced yard, gentle leash walks on grass	Stairs, jumping, forced running
Adult (1–8 years)	30–60 minutes total	Two 15–20 min leash walks, sniffing/scent games, controlled fetch on flat ground	Agility jumps, rough terrain hiking
Senior (8+ years)	20–30 minutes total	Short gentle walks, indoor puzzle toys, supervised yard time	Overexertion in heat, slippery floors

The best activities for a long haired dachshund combine physical movement with mental stimulation. Scent work (hiding treats around the house or yard) taps directly into their hunting heritage and can tire them out as effectively as a long walk. Swimming, with a properly fitted canine life jacket, is excellent low-impact exercise that protects the spine while building cardiovascular fitness.

Critical rule: Prevent your dachshund from jumping on and off furniture or navigating steep staircases. Use ramps (such as the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Ramp or similar models rated for 150+ lb) for couch and bed access. This single management strategy significantly reduces cumulative spinal stress.

Common Health Issues in Long Haired Dachshunds

The dachshund's unique body structure creates specific health vulnerabilities that every prospective owner must understand. The following conditions are either more prevalent in dachshunds than the general dog population or carry particular severity for the breed.

Breed-Specific Health Conditions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Treatment Cost Range	Key Prevention
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	~25% of dachshunds affected in their lifetime	Typically 3–7 years	$3,000–$8,000 (surgical); $500–$2,000 (conservative)	Weight control, ramps, harness only (no neck collars for walking)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Estimated 5–10% carrier rate in long haired lines	Usually 5–10 years	No cure; management $200–$500/year	DNA testing of breeding stock (Optigen prcd-PRA test)
Lafora Disease (Late-Onset Epilepsy)	Higher in miniature long haired lines; ~5% affected in studied populations	5–7 years typically	$500–$3,000/year for anti-seizure medication	DNA test available; responsible breeders screen
Obesity	Very high risk — dachshunds are among the most obesity-prone breeds	Any age	$200–$1,000/year in secondary condition management	Measured feeding, body condition score (BCS) monitoring, target BCS 4–5/9
Dental Disease	Over 80% of small breeds show signs by age 3	Progressive from 1–2 years	$500–$1,500 per professional cleaning; extractions additional	Daily tooth brushing, veterinary dental checkups annually

IVDD deserves special attention. The dachshund's elongated vertebral column places extraordinary mechanical stress on their intervertebral discs. Type I IVDD, where the disc nucleus pulposus extrudes into the spinal canal, is the most common form in the breed. Symptoms range from back pain and reluctance to move to complete hind-limb paralysis. If your dachshund suddenly refuses to walk, cries when picked up, or drags their rear legs, this is a veterinary emergency — seek immediate care. Outcomes are significantly better when surgery is performed within 24 hours of symptom onset in dogs that still have deep pain perception.

Always consult your veterinarian for breed-specific screening recommendations. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed information on IVDD staging and treatment protocols.

Grooming the Long Haired Dachshund Coat

The long haired dachshund's coat requires more maintenance than the smooth or wirehaired varieties, but it's manageable with a consistent routine. The silky texture is prone to matting behind the ears, in the armpits, and along the feathering on the legs if neglected.

Brushing (3–4 times per week): Use a pin brush or slicker brush (such as the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker or a comparable quality brush) to work through the full coat, paying special attention to feathered areas. Follow with a wide-toothed comb to catch any tangles the brush missed. Expect 10–15 minutes per session.

Bathing (every 4–6 weeks): Use a dog-specific shampoo formulated for long coats. Conditioner is important for this coat type to prevent dryness and tangling. Rinse thoroughly — residual shampoo trapped against the skin under dense feathering can cause irritation and hot spots.

Ear care (weekly): The long, heavy ears of the dachshund restrict airflow to the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment ideal for yeast and bacterial growth. Clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser. Gently wipe the visible inner ear flap and canal opening — never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal.

Nail trims (every 2–3 weeks): Overgrown nails alter the angle of the foot and contribute to abnormal spinal loading. Trim when you can hear nails clicking on hard floors. If your dachshund has dark nails and you're unsure of the quick location, trim small amounts frequently rather than attempting one large cut.

Sanitary trimming (monthly): Hair around the anus and on the belly collects debris and should be trimmed short with blunt-nosed grooming scissors or a small clipper.

Training & Intelligence

Dachshunds rank 49th out of 138 breeds in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings — but this measures obedience intelligence (willingness to comply with commands on first ask), not problem-solving ability. Your long haired dachshund is smart; they simply don't see why they should do what you want when they have their own plans.

Trainability rating: Moderate. They learn commands quickly but compliance is inconsistent, especially in the presence of distractions (scents, small animals, other dogs).

Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement training is the only approach that works reliably with this breed. Use high-value food rewards (small pieces of boiled chicken, freeze-dried liver, or commercial training treats under 3 calories each). Keep sessions short — 5 to 10 minutes maximum — and end on a success. Force-free, reward-based methods build the trust this sensitive breed needs to cooperate willingly.

Priority training goals for long haired dachshunds:

1. Rock-solid recall — Their hunting instinct means they will chase if given the chance. Practice recall in increasingly distracting environments using a long line (15–30 ft) for safety before trusting off-leash reliability.
2. Crate training — Essential for housebreaking (dachshunds are notoriously slow to house-train, often taking 6–12 months for full reliability) and for providing a safe space when unsupervised.
3. "Leave it" and "drop it" — Critical for a dog who will investigate (and attempt to eat) anything they find on walks.
4. Handling and grooming desensitization — Start in puppyhood. Dachshunds who aren't accustomed to being touched on their paws, ears, and mouth will make grooming and veterinary care unnecessarily stressful.

Never use shock collars, prong collars, or physical punishment with a dachshund. These methods damage the bond with this sensitive breed, increase fear-based reactivity, and — in the case of neck pressure from prong collars — risk spinal injury.

Family Suitability: Kids, Other Pets, and Living Environments

Children: Long haired dachshunds do best with children aged 8 and older who understand how to handle a small, long-backed dog gently. A dachshund picked up incorrectly (unsupported hindquarters, held at arm's length) is at risk of spinal injury and may bite in pain or fear. Supervision is non-negotiable with younger children. Teach kids to let the dog approach them rather than chasing or cornering the dog.

Other dogs: Generally sociable with other dogs, especially when socialized from puppyhood. Dachshunds often prefer the company of other dachshunds. Same-sex aggression can occur, particularly between intact males.

Small pets (cats, rabbits, rodents): Proceed with caution. The dachshund's prey drive is real. Some long haired dachshunds coexist peacefully with cats they were raised alongside, but rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters should never be left unsupervised with any dachshund. The breed was literally created to kill small animals.

Apartment living: Well-suited in terms of space requirements — their exercise needs can be met with walks and indoor play. However, their vocal nature may create issues with shared walls. Consistent training to manage barking and providing sufficient mental stimulation to prevent boredom-induced vocalizing is important for apartment dwellers.

Cost of Ownership: Purchase Price and Annual Expenses

Budgeting realistically for a long haired dachshund prevents painful surprises later, especially given the breed's potential for costly spinal issues.

Puppy purchase price:

• AKC-registered from a health-testing breeder: $2,000–$4,500 (long haired miniatures often command the higher end of this range due to popularity)
• Breed rescue/adoption: $200–$600 (long haired dachshunds appear in dachshund-specific rescues like All American Dachshund Rescue or DachsLife Rescue with some regularity)
• ⚠️ "Bargain" puppies under $1,000 from unverified sources carry dramatically higher risk of genetic health issues, poor socialization, and supporting irresponsible breeding practices

First-year cost estimate (puppy year):

Category	Estimated Cost
Initial veterinary exam + vaccinations (DHPP, rabies, bordetella series)	$400–$800
Spay/neuter	$300–$700
Microchipping	$25–$50
Supplies (crate, bed, ramps, harness, leash, grooming tools, bowls)	$300–$600
Food (high-quality small-breed formula, ~1 cup/day)	$250–$450
Preventive medications (flea/tick, heartworm)	$200–$400
Training (puppy class + basic manners)	$150–$400
Pet insurance (recommended for this breed)	$400–$700/year
First-year total estimate	$2,025–$4,100 (excluding puppy purchase price)

Ongoing annual costs (adult years): $1,200–$2,500 per year for food, preventive care, grooming supplies, insurance, and routine veterinary visits. This does not include emergency treatment for IVDD or other breed-specific conditions, which is why pet insurance with a low deductible and high annual payout limit is strongly recommended for dachshund owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the long haired dachshund a good breed for first-time dog owners?

They can work for first-time owners who are prepared for the specific challenges: a long housebreaking timeline, consistent positive reinforcement training, and proactive spinal health management. If you're looking for an easy, biddable first dog that lives to please, a dachshund may frustrate you. But if you're patient, willing to learn about force-free training methods, and committed to managing their health risks, a long haired dachshund can be a rewarding first dog.

How much exercise does a long haired dachshund need every day?

Adult long haired dachshunds need 30–60 minutes of total daily activity, ideally split into two or three sessions. This should include leash walks on flat terrain and mentally stimulating activities like scent games or puzzle feeders. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping or navigating steep stairs, which stress their spine.

What health problems are long haired dachshunds most prone to?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the most significant breed-specific concern, affecting approximately 25% of dachshunds. Other conditions include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Lafora disease (in miniature lines), obesity, and dental disease. Working with a breeder who performs OFA spinal evaluations, Optigen PRA DNA testing, and Lafora DNA screening significantly reduces genetic risk.

How big does a long haired dachshund get as an adult?

Standard long haired dachshunds typically weigh 16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg) and stand 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) at the shoulder. Miniatures weigh 11 lb (5 kg) or less and stand 5–6 inches (13–15 cm). Body length is proportionally much longer than height, typically 1.7–2× the height measurement.

Are long haired dachshunds good with children and other pets?

They do best with respectful children aged 8+ who understand how to support the dog's back when handling. They're generally sociable with other dogs but have strong prey drive toward small animals like rabbits and rodents. Cats may be tolerated if the dachshund is raised alongside them, but supervision is always wise.

How much does a long haired dachshund cost to buy and maintain?

Expect to pay $2,000–$4,500 for a puppy from a responsible, health-testing breeder, or $200–$600 through breed rescue. First-year expenses (vet care, supplies, food, insurance) typically run $2,025–$4,100 on top of the purchase price. Ongoing annual costs for an adult dog range from $1,200–$2,500, with pet insurance strongly recommended given the breed's IVDD risk.

Do long haired dachshunds shed a lot?

They are moderate shedders — more than smooth dachshunds but less than many double-coated breeds. You'll notice seasonal shedding increases in spring and fall. Regular brushing 3–4 times per week manages loose hair effectively and prevents matting in the feathered areas.